Dutch lead the way in bike infrastructure

The Netherlands has embraced cycling like no other country.

Since the 1970s, bike use has grown manyfold with nearly one-third of all Dutch citizens now listing the bike as their main mode of transport.

And the percentage is even higher in major cities such as the capital Amsterdam.

The growth has been facilitated by the commitment of consecutive governments to the construction of safe cycling facilities including segregated paths, protected intersections and ubiquitous bike parking.

This push has also resulted in the creation of unique, even beautiful, pieces of bike infrastructure - topped by the suspended bike path in the southern Netherlands town of Eindhoven known as the Hovenring.

Like a flying saucer, it hovers over one of the city's busiest intersections and provides easy access to cyclists and pedestrians.

Designed by ipv Delft, the roundabout is 72m in diameter and the central pylon is 70m high.

The integrated lighting means the structure has become a city landmark, at day and at night.

Also in the Netherlands is the Melkwegbridge, a cycling and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Noordhollandsch canal in Purmerend while still allowing boats to pass.

The most striking part of the bridge, which was designed by NEXT architects, is the 12m arch that provides stunning views of the city.

The lower 100m cycling deck sits below as a continuous line from the streets on either side of the canal.